Longtime New York Radio Voice Bob Law, Who Helped Launch Jesse Jackson’s 1984 Campaign, Had Been Facing Health Issues
Bob Law, a defining voice in Black radio and longtime host of the influential political program “Night Talk,” has died, according to friends and family. He had been dealing with health issues in recent years.
Law’s decades-long career placed him at the center of Black media and activism, helping shape national conversations and elevate political engagement across generations.
Rev. Al Sharpton confirmed the news in a public tribute, describing Law as a foundational figure in Black talk radio and a trusted voice in the community.
“Bob Law, a pioneer in National Black Talk radio, has passed away,” Sharpton wrote. “His unparalleled #NightTalk show was the political grapevine of Black America. He was one of a kind, a true representative and voice of Black radio.”
Bob Law, a pioneer in National Black Talk radio, has passed away. His unparalleled #NightTalk show was the political grapevine of Black America. He was one of a kind, a true representative and voice of Black radio.
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) March 30, 2026
He gave me my first radio program when I was 16, and he along… pic.twitter.com/svr2quZe9h
Sharpton also reflected on their personal connection, noting that Law gave him his first opportunity in radio at just 16 years old and introduced him to legendary figures, including James Brown.
Night Talk Helped Shape National Black Political Engagement
Law took “Night Talk” nationwide in 1981 through the National Black Network, making it the first live, nationally broadcast Black radio talk show in the United States.
The program became a central hub for political discussion, organizing, and information sharing within Black communities across the country.
Before his rise in radio, Law was active in the civil rights movement, serving as a field secretary for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. He later transitioned into broadcasting, working as a community affairs director at WWRL before becoming program director.
“I’m one of the people who can truthfully say, I got my job through the Civil Rights Movement,” Law said in a 1992 interview.
Throughout his more than 50-year career, Law remained outspoken on issues affecting Black communities and consistently used his platform to amplify political awareness and economic empowerment.
Role in Jesse Jackson’s 1984 Presidential Campaign
Law credited “Night Talk” with helping spark Rev. Jesse Jackson’s historic 1984 presidential campaign.
“It was ‘Night Talk’ that started the campaign ‘Run Jesse Run’ in 1984,” Law said in a 2025 interview. “Jesse Jackson came on the show every Tuesday night and we started talking about that on the air. Run Jesse Run. ‘Night Talk’ was a major factor in that presidential campaign.”
Beyond politics, Law emphasized the show’s ability to unite listeners nationwide and build collective action.
He pointed to efforts that mobilized audiences to raise funds for causes ranging from saving Mound Bayou, Mississippi, to supporting individuals in need of medical care.
“The national audience has seen that it is possible to work together as a national family,” Law said. “That sense of community has been one of the things we’ve been able to develop.”
Tributes Highlight Decades of Influence
New York Attorney General Letitia James was among those who honored Law’s legacy, calling him a tireless advocate whose impact will continue to be felt.
“My heart is with the family and loved ones of Bob Law,” James wrote. “Bob was a renowned radio talk show host and a tireless activist for the Black community, and his impact will continue to be felt for generations to come. May he rest in peace.”
Law is preceded in death by his wife, Muntu.
